While working on the top ten NFL stories, for release tomorrow, I found this interesting. So you get a little sneak peak...

Buccaneers' officials and the agent for Brian Griese are working to restructure the veteran quarterback's contract. Agent Ralph Cindrich told the Tampa Tribune on Wednesday that he has submitted a proposal for a new contract and is waiting for Bucs' general manager Bruce Allen to respond. Griese's current contract would force the Bucs to take an $8.3 million salary cap hit.

Previous reports indicated that Bucs' officials want to resolve Griese's contract situation quickly so they can move forward with other offseason issues. The Bucs would likely CUT Griese if he doesn't restructure his contract. If Griese is cut, the Bucs would likely attempt to sign Jeff Garcia or Kurt Warner to compete with third-year signal caller Chris Simms for the starting job.

Griese started 10 games last year, appeared in 11. He had a 69.3% completion rate, threw 20 TDs to 12 INTs for a QB rating of 97.5. His career QB rating is 85.3. Griese turns 30 this March and obviously played his college ball at Michigan.

So what do you guys think about Griese? Would you take him over Hasselbeck, Kitna, Holcomb, etc...

January 13th, 2005, 3:06 pm

Brian

QB Coach

Joined: August 6th, 2004, 8:33 pmPosts: 3222

I like Griese, but maybe that's my Michigan bias. He played great in Tampa this year, and with the right coaching could play well here. I'd take him in a heartbeat, possibly #1 if he were to hit the market, because of the salary cap implications Brees or Hasselbeck would bring.

LOL. You can't use the 3rd stringer unless the 1st 2 are injuried. Just think, both qbs in at once, the center checks out the d, then snaps to the quaterback who has been picked to throw or the one that has been picked to handoff. Of course, then the qb would have to lead block for KingJones. Need some tough qbs for that. Seriously thought, griese is the best option I have heard so far, if he wants to have to compete for the starting job.

_________________"If he isn't the best football player, the best runner, that the Lord has ever made, then the Lord has yet to make one." Wayne Fontes on Barry.

January 13th, 2005, 5:19 pm

LionsFan4Life

Fired Head Coach (0-16 record)

Joined: October 30th, 2004, 12:30 pmPosts: 2205Location: Austin, TX

I agree. Griese doesn't sound that bad to go after although it depends on how much he will be asking for.

And what other ppl said he didn't have that bad of a year in Tampa. I guess we'll see what happens in Tampa 1st.

_________________

NEVER GIVE UP!

January 13th, 2005, 5:27 pm

Pablo

RIP Killer

Joined: August 6th, 2004, 9:21 amPosts: 9645Location: Dallas

Thanks for the feedback fellas. Now I'm going to get out there and start a big rumor...

January 13th, 2005, 6:37 pm

spiderman

All State

Joined: August 11th, 2004, 1:38 pmPosts: 367Location: on the web

all you need to do is whisper it to killer.

January 13th, 2005, 9:41 pm

Leo

5th Round Pick - Traded

Joined: January 11th, 2005, 11:35 pmPosts: 1085

I like Brian Griese, I wish the Lions would have drafted him and not Charlie Batch.

But what are we talking about a backup for Harrington or as a replacement?

January 14th, 2005, 2:22 am

lionsfanak

5th Round Pick - Traded

Joined: November 15th, 2004, 7:24 amPosts: 1055Location: Alaska

Griese is interesting. Looking back at his pro career he has seemed to almost flounder until this year. He didn't pan out for Denver, looked like crap in Miami and had a heck of a year in Tampa. I think he could be a solid quarterback with the right direction.